Toby Tyler passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 after a long and tragic battle with cancer. He founded Mes Amis along with Steve and was the band’s rhythm guitarist from its inception until his death.

Toby started listening to Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli as a teenager in high school in the early 70's. He fell in love with the music but couldn’t find anyone else interested in playing it with him. After college he formed a country rock band which gained considerable success and worked together for 10 years. In the early 80's Toby started a new band, and hired a female singer by the name of Pam Richards who became his wife.

After having children Toby and Pam decided that being in a band was no longer possible. In 1990 they started a small roadside vegetable stand in Oakland Maine, and over the years it evolved into a 120 seat restaurant and specialty food market carrying fine wines, cheeses and other gourmet foods.

However, that Gypsy sound still beckoned. Fate stepped in and led Toby to Steve Lynnworth. They hit it off immediately, and within a few weeks decided to form a band. As the rhythm guitarist for Mes Amis, Toby finally got the opportunity to play the music he truly loved.